Why Andrew McCullough retired with a year left to run on his deal
The Dragons are looking for a new dummy-half after Andrew McCullough called time on his career.
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Andrew McCullough has announced his retirement from the NRL, with the Dragons hooker calling time on his glittering career with one year left to run on his contract.
The 32-year-old is a member of the 300 club and represented Queensland four times but said the time was right to retire with injuries affecting his output during stints with the Knights and Dragons after 13 seasons with the Broncos.
“I've decided to finish up this year. It’s worked out well for transitioning for the next couple of years,” McCullough said.
“I‘ve probably been battling a couple of niggling injuries over the last couple of years that people don’t probably understand or realise. That’s football.
“(The decision) was more so transitioning, the opportunities that came for me the next couple of years.
“I thought I‘d jump at the opportunity now while those further opportunities are still there and go from there.
“It feels right. I'm happy, I’m content and I just want to get on with it now.”
McCullough’s departure means youngster Jayden Sullivan is likely to get first crack in the No.9 jersey when the Dragons open their 2023 campaign against the Titans in round 2.
The position has been an issue for St George Illawarra for a while, with skipper Ben Hunt’s name often thrown in the mix to play there given he handles the role so well at rep level.
Regardless of who replaces him, McCullough’s leadership will be missed at a club that has struggled for the past few years.
“He was an extremely tough competitor right up until his last game,” Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said.
“He was the youngest forward to play 200 games. He came back from a medial injury a couple of weeks early to play against the Broncos.
“The biggest thing is he's just a great teammate. Every player that played with him would have enjoyed playing with him and respected him. I think that’s the most important thing.”
Originally published as Why Andrew McCullough retired with a year left to run on his deal
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